Live chat software is essential for businesses aiming to improve customer service, drive sales, and enhance engagement. Here’s a detailed overview of the top live chat tools, their features, pricing, and tips for choosing the right one for your business.
FAQs
- Can I build my live chat tool?
-
Yes! Platforms like ChatBot let you build custom tools with drag-and-drop systems, even without coding knowledge.
-
Is it easy to set up live chat on my site?
-
Absolutely! Integrate live chat code, configure triggers, and add team members in minutes.
-
Can I initiate conversations with visitors?
-
Yes, most tools allow proactive chats based on visitor behavior.
-
Should I choose a free live chat tool?
- Free tools work for basic needs, but advanced features often require paid plans.
Top 10 Live Chat Tools for Small Businesses
1. LiveChat – Complete Visibility
- Key Features:
- Customizable themes, ticketing system, geolocation-based routing, performance metrics.
- Pricing:
- Starter: $20/month.
- Team: $41/month.
- Business: $59/month.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
- Best For: Targeted messaging and tracking.
2. ChatBot – Create Your Live Chat
- Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop bot builder, pre-made templates, WooCommerce/WordPress integrations.
- Pricing:
- Starter: $52/month.
- Team: $142/month.
- Business: $424/month.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
- Best For: Automated 24/7 customer service.
3. Freshchat – Blends AI and Human Intelligence
- Key Features:
- AI chatbots, intelligent routing, proactive engagement, NLP/ML-powered insights.
- Pricing:
- Free: Limited features.
- Growth: $15/month.
- Pro: $39/month.
- Enterprise: $69/month.
- Best For: AI-powered interactions with high engagement.
4. Olark – Easy to Use
- Key Features:
- In-browser chat, canned responses, lead tracking, real-time reporting.
- Pricing:
- Free: Limited to 20 chats/month.
- Olark Standard: $19/agent/month.
- Olark Pro: Custom pricing.
- Best For: Small teams needing simplicity.
5. Smartsupp – Google Analytics Integration
- Key Features:
- Chatbots, video recording, GDPR compliance, API customization.
- Pricing:
- Free: Limited features.
- Standard: $19.50/month.
- Pro: $48/month.
- Ultimate: Custom pricing.
- Best For: Data-driven insights with seamless Google integration.
6. Velaro – Excellent Routing Systems
- Key Features:
- Advanced chat routing, push page capability, automation, performance tracking.
- Pricing:
- Small Business: $64.95/month.
- Professional: $149.95/month.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing.
- Best For: Businesses needing advanced chat routing.
7. Intercom – Easy Data Import/Export
- Key Features:
- Lead Qualification Bot, engagement tools, multilingual support, custom messenger.
- Pricing:
- Starter: $74/month.
- Early Stage Program: $65/month.
- Best For: Startups and data-driven lead generation.
8. HubSpot – Fantastic Free Version
- Key Features:
- Integrated CRM, automation, branding customization, free chatbot builder.
- Pricing:
- Free: Basic features.
- Starter: $45/month.
- Professional: $800/month.
- Enterprise: $3,600/month.
- Best For: Marketing and sales teams.
9. Pipedrive – Top-Notch Reporting System
- Key Features:
- Workflow automation, pipeline visualization, activity reminders.
- Pricing:
- Essential: $9.90/month.
- Advanced: $19.90/month.
- Professional: $39.90/month.
- Best For: Businesses prioritizing sales tracking and reporting.
10. Tidio – Impressive Templates
- Key Features:
- AI chatbots, 40+ templates, multi-language support, live visitor tracking.
- Pricing:
- Free: Limited features.
- Communicator: $15.83/month.
- Chatbots: $32.50/month.
- Tidio+: $240.83/month.
- Best For: Automated responses with impressive template options.
How to Choose the Best Live Chat Tool
- Understand Your Needs:
- Small teamChoose a simple tool.
-
Heavy trafficOpt for automation with chatbots.
-
Consider Key Features:
- Must-Have: Routing, customer tracking, canned responses, mobile optimization.
-
Nice-to-Have: Smart triggers, advanced reporting, multilingual support.
-
Look at Integrations:
-
Ensure compatibility with CRM, marketing tools, or help desk software.
-
Evaluate Pricing:
-
Compare features-to-price ratio. Avoid overpaying for unnecessary functionalities.
-
Agent or Bot-Based Solution:
- Agents for personalized service, bots for handling repetitive queries.
Best Tools Based on Use Case
- Best for Marketing/Sales Teams: HubSpot – $45/month.
- Best for Startups: Intercom – $74/month.
- Best for Targeted Messaging: LiveChat – $20/month.
Summing it up
Whether you’re a startup or an established business, choosing the right live chat tool can significantly enhance customer experience. Assess your needs, evaluate features, and select a tool that aligns with your goals and budget. For sales-driven teams, HubSpot and LiveChat are excellent choices, while Tidio and ChatBot shine in automation.
Next: Read 2500+ consumer guides to shopping, electronics, appliances, home services, cars, money and more.
